Innovative Accreditation: Accelerated Degrees and Competency-Based Education

Changing Higher Ed

Innovative Accreditation: Transforming Higher Education

Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy and Dr. Selena M. Grace, leaders at the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), join Dr. Drumm McNaughton in the second of this two-part podcast to discuss groundbreaking innovations in higher education accreditation. They explore accelerated degrees, competency-based education, and the evolving landscape of workforce development.

Key Discussion Points

Accelerated Bachelor's Degree Programs:

• NWCCU's approval of a pilot three-year bachelor's degree program.
• Historical context of the traditional four-year model and its limitations.
• Rigorous evaluation processes to ensure educational quality in accelerated programs.

Competency-Based Education (CBE):

• Focus on demonstrable skills and knowledge rather than seat time.
• NWCCU's approach to evaluating CBE programs.
• Emphasis on clear learning outcomes and robust assessment methods.

Innovations in Accreditation:

• NWCCU's role as a facilitator of institutional innovation.
• Implementation of a portfolio model and high-contact approach with institutions.
• Support for a wide range of innovations while maintaining quality standards.

Workforce Development and Higher Education:

• Addressing the needs of an estimated 40 million Americans requiring reskilling and upskilling.
• Integration of micro-credentials and certification programs.
• Balancing flexibility with maintaining high educational standards.

Assessment and Learning Outcomes:

• Importance of clearly defined learning outcomes at course and program levels.
• Use of multiple assessment methods and regular curriculum review.
• Emphasis on programmatic assessment to capture disciplinary learning outcomes.

Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders and Boards

1. Embrace innovation in degree formats and educational delivery methods.
2. Focus on workforce development and lifelong learning opportunities.
3. Prioritize clear assessment strategies and learning outcomes in new educational models.

Read the transcript and extended show summary on our website at: https://changinghighered.com/innovative-accreditation-accelerated-degrees-and-competency-based-education/

#HigherEducation #HigherEdAccreditation #AcceleratedDegrees

About Our Guests

Sonny Ramaswamy is president of Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, which accredits institutions in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and British Columbia. President Barack Obama appointed Sonny to direct the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which funded research and education in food, agriculture, and natural resources. He served as dean of Oregon State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, director of Purdue’s Agricultural Research Programs, university distinguished professor and head of entomology at Kansas State, and professor of entomology at Mississippi State. Sonny’s BSc (Agriculture) and MSc (Entomology) are from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore; his PhD (Entomology) is from Rutgers. He did postdoc research at Michigan State University. Selena M. Grace is currently the Executive Vice President of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). She has been at NWCCU since 2020. Previously, she served as Vice Provost for Academic Strategy & Institutional Effectiveness at Idaho State University. She was a member of the inaugural cohort of the WICHE Western Academic Leadership Academy, and her previous experience includes Chief Academic Officer at the Idaho State Board of Education where she was the primary author and manager of the Complete College Idaho Plan. She is a first-generation college graduate. She has a B.A. in English with a writing emphasis and a minor in Native American Studies from Boise State University, an M.F.A. in creative writing and non-fiction from George Mason University, and a Ph.D. in public policy and administration from Boise State University.

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances.

Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.